PROLONGED PAIN RELIEF WITH USE OF 10% LIDOCAINE NEUROLYSIS FOR REFRACTORY MERALGIA PARESTHETICA

Meralgia paresthetica is a sensory neuropathy characterized by anterolateral thigh pain associated with paresthesiae. It is hypothesized that entrapment, compression, or stretching of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it exits through the inguinal ligament. Often times life style modification, neuropathic pain medications, and or steroid injections can help relieve the pain. In some circumstances, the pain is refractory and more invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation and or even surgery may need to be pursued. The authors report the successful use of 10% lidocaine for chemical neurolysis for Meralgia paresthetica in a 47-year-old female refractory to conventional treatment. In this case report, we will discuss the risk factors, pathomechanics, diagnostic challenges, therapeutic options and novel approach employed by the authors. Key words: 10% lidocaine, chemical neurolysis, meralgia, aresthetica, neuropathic pain